Tag Archives: JRPG

Persona 3 Turns 20 — Anniversary Remix Video Drops and P3R Hits 3 Million

Today, 13 July 2026, marks exactly two decades since Persona 3 first launched in Japan on the PlayStation 2. To mark the occasion, Atlus has released a brand-new anniversary illustration by series character designer Shigenori Soejima and dropped a 21-minute remix video on its official YouTube channel — capping a week that also saw Persona 3 Reload confirmed to have crossed 3 million copies sold worldwide.

Twenty Years in the Dark Hour

When Persona 3 launched on 13 July 2006, it redefined what a JRPG could be. The blend of a school calendar sim with Tartarus — an ever-shifting tower that only appears during the Dark Hour, the hidden hour between one day and the next — felt genuinely unlike anything before it. SEES (the Specialised Extracurricular Execution Squad) became some of the most beloved party members in the genre, and the game’s central theme of accepting mortality gave it an emotional weight that still lands hard today.

Persona 3 went on to spawn two expanded editions (FES and Portable), a trilogy of anime films, and a much-anticipated full remake. For many Singapore fans who grew up with the PS2, P3 is where the Persona obsession started.

Persona 3 Reload Reaches 3 Million Players

Aigis in a battle in Persona 3 Reload
Image courtesy of Atlus / SEGA

Persona 3 Reload — the ground-up remake released in February 2024 — has now shipped and sold over 3 million copies worldwide across PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam. To celebrate, Atlus released a new piece of commemorative artwork by Shigenori Soejima, showing the protagonist Makoto Yuki in the series’ signature blue palette, accompanied by the handwritten message: “Happy 20th Anniversary to P3 / P3R hits 3M copies! Thank you for your support!”

The remake arrived on Nintendo Switch 2 as part of the platform’s growing library, making it the most accessible the game has ever been. Singapore players can pick it up digitally on the Switch 2 eShop, PS5 Store, or Steam right now.

Watch the 21-Minute Anniversary Remix

Persona 3 20th Anniversary Remix — via atlustube on YouTube

The centrepiece of today’s celebration is a 21-minute anniversary remix video released on the official Atlus YouTube channel (atlustube). The music was arranged by DJ VaVa and spans tracks from the original Persona 3, FES, Portable, and Reload — weaving two decades of the game’s soundtrack into a single continuous set. Pixel artist Motocross Saito contributed four animated pixel art scenes that play alongside the music, rendering iconic moments from the game in a lovingly retro style.

If you have any history with P3 — or even just fond memories of “Mass Destruction” — this is well worth your time tonight.

Social Links, School Days and Why P3 Still Holds Up

Junpei Iori and the protagonist in class at Gekkoukan High in Persona 3 Reload
Image courtesy of Atlus / SEGA

Part of Persona 3’s lasting appeal is how it balances two entirely different games in one. During the day you sit in class at Gekkoukan High, answer questions, study with friends, and deepen the Social Links that power up your Persona fusions. At night you venture into Tartarus, battling Shadows floor by floor while racing a hard calendar deadline. Neither half would work without the other — and that structure has shaped every Persona game since.

Persona 3 Reload sharpens both halves considerably: visuals rebuilt from scratch, social calendar events more fleshed out, and the combat snappier than it ever was on PS2. The Linked Episodes system also adds story vignettes for party members like Akihiko, Shinjiro, and Mitsuru that the original never gave full room to breathe.

Where to Play Persona 3 Reload in Singapore

Iwatodai Station in Persona 3 Reload
Image courtesy of Atlus / SEGA

Persona 3 Reload is available now across all major platforms in Singapore:

  • Nintendo Switch 2 — digital on the eShop
  • PlayStation 5 / PS4 — digital and physical at major game retailers
  • Xbox Series X|S / Xbox One — digital; also included in Xbox Game Pass
  • PC — via Steam

The anniversary remix video is live now on the official Atlus YouTube channel. The Soejima illustration was shared as part of the ongoing Persona 30th Anniversary celebrations — and with Persona 6 confirmed and a NIKKE × Persona crossover running this summer, twenty years in the Dark Hour has never felt more alive. Browse more gaming news on GameTrader.

Dragon Quest Turns 40: DQXII Beyond Dreams Finally Revealed, Plus a Tokyo Exhibition Opening Next Week

Dragon Quest quietly celebrated its 40th birthday this year — and Square Enix made sure the occasion counted. In a special anniversary livestream on 27 May 2026, the company finally pulled back the curtain on the long-awaited Dragon Quest XII, revealed a new title and a development reboot, and teased a slate of related releases. Now, less than two months later, a full-blown immersive exhibition is opening in Tokyo next week to mark 40 years since the very first Dragon Quest launched on Famicom in 1986.

Dragon Quest XII: Beyond Dreams — A Hard Reset for the Next Chapter

When Dragon Quest XII was first announced back in 2021 under the subtitle The Flames of Fate, series creator Yuji Horii hinted at a darker, more mature tone for the franchise. Five years on, that version is gone. Square Enix Executive Producer Yosuke Saito confirmed the reset during the anniversary stream, explaining that work on the original version “hit a lot of hurdles along the way” and that, after consultation with Horii, the team decided to start over entirely under a new development structure.

The result is Dragon Quest XII: Beyond Dreams — a title that reflects the fresh direction. Horii described the story as “the adventures of a protagonist who experiences mysterious dreams,” adding: “I think there is a world spreading out in Beyond Dreams that is surely bright rather than dark. It has changed from the version we announced previously, but I think everyone will be able to enjoy it.”

Dragon Quest XII: Beyond Dreams hero standing in a forest
Image courtesy of Square Enix

Saito acknowledged it was “a very difficult decision” but expressed confidence in delivering “something great as the latest Dragon Quest that more fans can enjoy.” Platforms and a release window are yet to be confirmed — the game is clearly early in development — but character designs are once again the work of the late Akira Toriyama, and music comes from the legendary Koichi Sugiyama. For Singapore fans, there is no confirmed global or SEA release date; treat any timeline speculation as to be confirmed.

Watch: The Official 40th Anniversary Reveal Stream

Update from the DRAGON QUEST Team — via DRAGON QUEST on YouTube

Dragon Quest the DIVE: An Immersive Exhibition Opening in Harajuku on 17 July

The bigger news for fans heading to Japan this summer: the Dragon Quest 40th Anniversary Exhibition “Dragon Quest the DIVE” opens at Tokyu Plaza Harajuku Harakado this coming Thursday, 17 July, and runs through 6 September 2026. The venue is a short walk from Meiji-jingumae (Harajuku), Harajuku, and Omotesando stations.

Dragon Quest the DIVE exhibition VR Ride promotional image featuring a Great Sabrecat and a Slime
Image courtesy of Square Enix

The centrepiece is the Dragon Quest VR RIDE, a motion-seat experience using Meta Quest 3 headsets that puts you on the back of a Great Sabrecat as you tear across a 360-degree landscape, dodge monster encounters, and soar through the sky — with physical wind effects to boot. Elsewhere in the venue:

  • Hug a two-metre-tall Poyoyon King Slime installation
  • Get your photo AI-transformed into a resident of the 40th Anniversary Town
  • Walk through a Dragon Quest Memorial Wall covering Dragon Quest I through XI, featuring original development artwork and sheet music from the series’ creators
  • Dine at FAMiRES x Dragon Quest the DIVE, a collaboration restaurant on the 5th floor, serving themed dishes, six slime-coloured cream sodas (1,078 yen each), and DQ-themed desserts
Homita, the Blue Slime mascot of Dragon Quest the DIVE, voiced by Yui Ogura
Image courtesy of Square Enix

The exhibition’s guide character is Homita, a plucky Blue Slime wielding a rusty sword and dreaming of becoming a hero, voiced by Yui Ogura (known for HUG! PreCure). Hours are 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily (last entry 7:59 PM). Ticket prices range from 1,800 yen for children on weekdays to 4,000 yen for adults on weekends; premium tickets with a pin badge set are 7,800 to 10,000 yen. General tickets are available at Lawson branches across Japan. Check the official Dragon Quest the DIVE website for the latest details and booking links.

More 40th Anniversary Releases Singapore Fans Should Know About

The May stream packed in several other announcements alongside the DQXII reveal:

  • Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on 24 September 2026 — if you missed the acclaimed JRPG the first time around, this edition looks like the definitive way to play.
  • Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World is confirmed for a multi-platform release (specific platforms to be confirmed in full).
  • The Dragon Quest I+II HD-2D Remake and Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake have collectively sold over 4 million copies worldwide, signalling strong appetite for the franchise beyond Japan.
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World key art featuring iconic series monsters
Image courtesy of Square Enix

Dragon Quest XII: Beyond Dreams has no confirmed release date for Singapore or any other region, and given the development reboot, a launch well into 2027 or beyond seems most likely. But with Dragon Quest XI S heading to Switch 2 this September and the HD-2D remakes selling strongly regionally, the series is in genuinely good shape at 40. For the latest JRPG and game news, keep checking back with GameTrader.SG.

Tales of Eternia Remastered Launches 16 October 2026 on PS5, Switch 2 and More

One of the PSP era’s most beloved JRPGs is finally making the jump to modern platforms. Tales of Eternia Remastered — developed by TOSE and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment — is heading to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC via Steam on 16 October 2026, with a worldwide simultaneous release.

What Is Tales of Eternia?

Tales of Eternia Remastered - exploring the world of Inferia
Image courtesy of Bandai Namco Entertainment

Originally released in 2001 in Japan as Tales of Destiny II — and later brought to international audiences via its PlayStation Portable version in 2006 — Tales of Eternia holds a special place for an entire generation of Singapore gamers who grew up on the PSP. The game pairs the action-RPG combat that defines the Tales series with a genuinely moving story and a cast that fans still talk about today.

The plot follows Reid Hershel, a laid-back woodsman from the world of Inferia, alongside his childhood friends Farah and Keele, and a mysterious girl named Meredy who falls from the sky speaking a language no one can understand. What starts as a rescue mission quickly escalates: the two worlds of Inferia and Celestia are on a catastrophic collision course — an event called the Grand Fall — and only Reid’s group stands between two civilisations and total annihilation. It is a classic setup, executed with heart.

Tales of Eternia Remastered – Announcement Trailer — via Bandai Namco Entertainment America on YouTube

Real-Time Combat, Remastered

Tales of Eternia Remastered - combat in the desert with four-party battle
Image courtesy of Bandai Namco Entertainment

Tales of Eternia’s battle system — the Aggressive Linear Motion Battle System (A-LiMBS) — was ahead of its time: real-time, side-scrolling combat where you control one character while the AI manages your party, and chain attacks and Artes into satisfying combos. If you played the PSP version, it will feel exactly as you remember it, just sharper.

The remaster does not overhaul the underlying gameplay, but it adds several features that make the experience significantly more approachable in 2026:

  • Graphics Mode and SFX Mode — toggle freely between remastered visuals and audio or the original versions at any time
  • Boost Feature — adjust experience gain and encounter frequency to suit your pace
  • High-Speed Auto-Mode — speed through battles you have already mastered
  • Battle Retry and Quick Recovery — for when a tough boss takes you by surprise
  • Destination Markers — toggleable, for players who want a little guidance in the sprawling world
  • Extreme Difficulty — available from the very start for veterans who want a real challenge, with a post-game Unknown difficulty for the truly battle-hardened
Tales of Eternia Remastered - boss encounter in a lava cave
Image courtesy of Bandai Namco Entertainment

Available on Practically Every Platform Singapore Gamers Own

Tales of Eternia Remastered - exploring a colourful pixel art town
Image courtesy of Bandai Namco Entertainment

The full platform list is as broad as it gets: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. Whether you are on your PS5, your Switch 2 in handheld mode on the MRT, or playing on PC, you are covered. The worldwide release on 16 October means Singapore gets it on day one alongside the rest of the world — no waiting for a delayed Asian release.

Pricing has not yet been confirmed by Bandai Namco. You can wishlist the game now on Steam, and keep an eye on major game retailers and electronics chains for PS5 and Switch 2 pre-order announcements closer to launch. For more upcoming JRPG and game news, browse our Game News section.

Persona 4 Revival: Yosuke Trailer Out, Character Changes Confirmed

Atlus released a new Persona 4 Revival character trailer this week spotlighting Yosuke Hanamura — and alongside it, Persona Team General Producer Kazuhisa Wada confirmed that some of the character’s original dialogue is being updated for the 2027 remake.

Watch the Yosuke Hanamura Character Trailer

Persona 4 Revival – Yosuke Hanamura VA: Paul Castro Jr. — via SEGA Asia(EN) on YouTube

Who Is Yosuke Hanamura?

Yosuke is the protagonist’s first real friend in Inaba — a Junes employee’s son who rides his bike to school and has a habit of crashing into things. His Persona is Jiraiya, the legendary ninja toad, and he fills the wind-element support role in the Investigation Team.

The new trailer covers his story beats in full: the iconic garbage-can crash on the first day of school, hanging out at Junes, singing karaoke with the group, and his awakening to Jiraiya in the TV World. In the English dub, Yosuke is voiced by Paul Castro Jr. — this trailer is the most extended look yet at his performance across both dialogue and battle lines.

Chie and Yosuke discuss the Midnight Channel in Persona 4 Revival
Image courtesy of ATLUS

What Atlus Is Changing About Yosuke — and Why

Atlus is not leaving Yosuke entirely as he appeared in 2008. Speaking at Anime Expo 2026, General Producer Kazuhisa Wada addressed the issue directly: “He’s a little bit insensitive in terms of how he treats outsiders sometimes. So we wanted to lighten that up and make it a little bit more fitting for the world we live in now,” as relayed by My Nintendo News. He added that the adjustments are “mostly with Yosuke, really,” and that the core story stays intact.

One concrete example: a suggestive line about the protagonist’s manual dexterity was replaced with the more neutral “Actually, you do strike me as someone who’d be good at that.” The original 2008 release featured dialogue around Kanji and some of the female cast that leaned into a teenage-bro archetype that Atlus has now softened.

The reaction has been divided. Some fans welcome the changes, arguing certain lines would feel out of place in a 2027 release; others are concerned that smoothing Yosuke’s edges risks altering a dynamic that made the original memorable. Wada’s framing of “fitting for the world we live in now” suggests a deliberate middle path rather than a wholesale character rewrite.

A massive boss creature inside the TV World dungeon in Persona 4 Revival
Image courtesy of ATLUS

Persona 4 Revival Release Date and Singapore Availability

Persona 4 Revival launches on 18 February 2027 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store. It will be available through Xbox Game Pass on day one — meaning Xbox subscribers in Singapore get it at no extra cost at launch. No Nintendo Switch 2 version has been confirmed. Final SGD pricing has not been officially announced and is to be confirmed closer to launch; expect it at major game retailers and digital storefronts.

This Yosuke trailer follows earlier character spotlights for protagonist Yu Narukami and Rise Kujikawa, so the remaining Investigation Team members are likely to get their own trailers over the coming months. If you missed it, Atlus also confirmed that MAPPA is handling the anime-style cinematic cutscenes for the remake. For more on upcoming JRPGs and game releases, check our Game News section.

Dynamic combat in Persona 4 Revival -- the protagonist strikes a Shadow enemy
Image courtesy of ATLUS

Granblue Fantasy: Relink — Endless Ragnarok Is Out Now on Switch 2, PS5 and PC

Cygames has launched Granblue Fantasy: Relink — Endless Ragnarok today, 9 July 2026, on Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, PS4, and PC via Steam. The standalone release bundles the original Relink with a sweeping expansion — new story, six new playable characters, a roguelite endgame mode, and series-first multi-platform crossplay. Existing owners can upgrade from S$34.90 on Steam.

Granblue Fantasy: Relink — “Not Forgotten Sky” Endless Ragnarok Launch Trailer — via PlayStation on YouTube

What’s New in Granblue Fantasy: Relink — Endless Ragnarok

Endless Ragnarok adds a brand-new story arc that continues the Relink saga, alongside six new characters joining the playable roster. The flagship addition is The Conflux — a new solo endgame mode built around roguelite principles, where each run through unpredictable challenges yields enigmatic powers and escalating rewards. It gives the game a strong reason to keep coming back long after the main campaign wraps.

Granblue Fantasy: Relink — Endless Ragnarok new character combat
Image courtesy of Cygames

The character progression system gains master traits — an advanced layer on top of existing skill trees that lets you push characters beyond their previous limits. The summon system has also been overhauled, with new mechanics for unlocking and calling forth summons during quests. If you were already deep into the original Relink, there’s a lot here to rebuild your builds around.

Crossplay Arrives for the First Time

One of Endless Ragnarok’s headline features is multi-platform crossplay for online co-op — a first for the Relink series. Up to four players can now party up across PS5, PS4, and PC, removing the platform walls that previously split the player base. The Nintendo Switch 2 version goes one step further, adding local co-op as a Switch 2-exclusive feature for players who want to play side by side.

Granblue Fantasy: Relink — Endless Ragnarok co-op multiplayer gameplay
Image courtesy of Cygames

For Singapore’s thriving Granblue Fantasy community, this matters: crossplay means you’re no longer locked out of co-op quests depending on what platform your friends own. Link your Cygames ID to unlock additional cross-title link bonuses with other GBF games, including a Damascus Ingot and Silver Centra for returning players.

Editions and Pricing for Singapore

Endless Ragnarok releases as a full standalone game that includes both the base Granblue Fantasy: Relink and the new expansion content — ideal for anyone who missed the original. If you already own Relink on PS5, PS4, or PC, an Upgrade Kit is also available:

  • Upgrade Kit (Standard Edition): S$34.90 on Steam SG — for existing Granblue Fantasy: Relink owners
  • Full Standalone (Standard Edition): US$59.99 / approximately S$74–79 (check local PS Store and Steam SG for confirmed SGD pricing)
  • Special Edition: Includes additional in-game content (check the official site for full details)
Granblue Fantasy: Relink — Endless Ragnarok — The Conflux endgame mode
Image courtesy of Cygames

The Nintendo Switch 2 version is priced at US$59.99 and includes the base game bundled in — it’s the most complete entry point for Switch 2 owners who haven’t played Relink before. An updated free demo is also available, based on the April Open Beta with balance adjustments and UI improvements, featuring Story Mode and Quest Mode content.

Granblue Fantasy: Relink — Endless Ragnarok character roster and new characters
Image courtesy of Cygames

Whether you’re an existing Relink veteran looking for endgame depth or a newcomer picking up the franchise for the first time, today’s launch is a good entry point across every platform. Check our game news section for more on this week’s major releases.

Suikoden: The Anime Brings Suikoden II to Life — October Premiere, amazarashi Opening, August Theatrical Run

One of the most beloved JRPGs ever made is finally becoming an anime. Suikoden: The Anime, Konami Animation’s full-series adaptation of Suikoden II, has confirmed an October 2026 TV premiere — and a second promotional video released on 5 July added even more fuel to the hype, unveiling a new opening theme from Japanese rock band amazarashi and a wave of additional voice cast names including Miyuki Sawashiro.

Suikoden The Anime first promotional video
Image courtesy of Konami

What Is Suikoden: The Anime?

The series is a new production by Konami Animation adapting the story of the 1998 PS1 classic Suikoden II — widely considered one of the greatest RPGs ever made and a formative game for a generation of Singapore and Southeast Asian fans who discovered it on PlayStation. The anime follows Riou and Jowy, two young soldiers from the Highland Kingdom whose bond is tested by war, betrayal, and the weight of the 27 True Runes.

Direction is by Yūzō Satō, known for Hunter × Hunter: The Last Mission, with series composition by Michihiro Tsuchiya. The character design trio — Fumi Ishikawa (original game designs), Arata Suzuki (anime concept art), and Ryō Yamauchi (TV animation adaptation) — has been working to translate the distinctive look of Suikoden II into a full animated series.

Riou, the protagonist of Suikoden: The Anime
Image courtesy of Konami

New Trailer and amazarashi’s Opening Theme

The second promotional video, released 5 July, is the most substantial look at the series yet — and it opens with the first bars of the new theme song. “Kanashimi Sae Otonabite” (Even Sorrow Resounds) by amazarashi is the series’ opening theme, a band whose work on Dororo and Fumetsu no Anata e made them a favourite among fans of emotionally heavy anime — a fitting match for a story about friendship, war, and political betrayal.

Suikoden: The Anime — 2nd Promotional Video (opening theme: amazarashi) — via NBCUniversal Anime/Music on YouTube

Voice Cast Highlights

The main duo is played by Toshiki Kumagai (Riou) and Shimba Tsuchiya (Jowy). Jowy’s arc — starting as Riou’s closest friend and evolving into the story’s most tragic antagonist — gives Tsuchiya one of the more demanding roles in the season.

Jowy Atreides from Suikoden: The Anime
Image courtesy of Konami

Among the supporting cast, Miyuki Sawashiro (best known internationally as Celty in Durarara!! and Jolyne in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Stone Ocean) will voice Anabelle, the Mayor of Muse City — a key political figure in the Highland-City-State conflict. Hiroki Sakai joins as Jess, and King Agares Blight, the ailing Highland ruler, will be voiced by Yamanoi Hitoshi. The cast also includes Katsuyuki Konishi and Yuichi Nakamura, two veterans whose combined credits span Fate/stay night, My Hero Academia, Gintama, and dozens of other flagship titles — signalling that Konami Animation has gone all-in on the production.

Japan Theatrical Premiere and TV Broadcast

Before the series airs on TV, the first three episodes will receive a theatrical premiere in Japan on 21 August 2026 — giving audiences an early, big-screen look at the adaptation before the broadcast run begins.

The TV broadcast launches on 3 October 2026 with a 60-minute extended first episode, rolling out across TOKYO MX, Kansai TV, BS Asahi, and 32 stations nationwide.

Suikoden: The Anime promotional visual
Image courtesy of Konami

What Singapore Fans Should Know

International streaming for Suikoden: The Anime has not been confirmed yet, and there is no confirmed SG or SEA release date for the theatrical cut. Crunchyroll handled the Suikoden I & II HD Remaster marketing in the region, and NBC Universal Entertainment Japan (the distributor behind the 2nd PV) handles many titles that end up on streaming platforms globally — so a Crunchyroll or similar simulcast pick-up is plausible, but officially still to be confirmed.

For now, Suikoden: The Anime goes down as one of the most anticipated Fall 2026 series for JRPG fans and veteran anime watchers. Follow the Konami Animation official site and other anime news here for streaming announcements as they come.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Switch 2 Edition Launches 30 July — Mercenary Battles Mode and Full 4K Upgrade Confirmed

Nintendo’s beloved JRPG Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is making the leap to Nintendo Switch 2 with an enhanced definitive edition launching on 30 July 2026 — just three weeks away. Whether you missed it the first time around or want to revisit Alrest in full 4K glory, this looks like the definitive way to experience Rex and Pyra’s epic adventure.

What’s New in the Switch 2 Edition

Beyond the expected resolution and performance upgrades that come with Switch 2’s beefed-up hardware, Nintendo has confirmed a brand-new Mercenary Battles mode exclusive to the Switch 2 Edition. This mode lets players pit their Blades against special challenge enemies outside the main story, with the reveal screenshots showing a white-haired Blade facing off against a Lv33 Little Bunnit — suggesting a roguelike or wave-based challenge format aimed at longtime fans who’ve already completed the main campaign.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Switch 2 Edition – New Mercenary Battle mode gameplay
The new Mercenary Battles mode pits your Blades against challenge enemies in standalone encounters. (Image: Nintendo)

The main game’s combat system — already one of the most layered in any JRPG — carries over intact, with Rex, Nia, and Tora’s party synergies as satisfying as ever. The Switch 2 Edition’s visual overhaul makes the game’s sweeping Titan landscapes and intricate character designs look sharper than they ever did on original Switch hardware.

Rex with Poppi in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Switch 2 Edition
Rex and the artificial Blade Poppi shine in the enhanced visuals. (Image: Nintendo)

Full Story, Torna DLC Included

The Switch 2 Edition bundles in the complete base game alongside the critically acclaimed Torna ~ The Golden Country expansion — no separate purchase needed. That’s well over 100 hours of content for players diving in fresh. Expect the same sweeping narrative that made XBC2 a word-of-mouth JRPG hit in late 2017, now with significantly improved load times courtesy of the Switch 2’s upgraded storage architecture.

Battle scene in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Switch 2 Edition with Rex, Nia and Tora
Party combat with Rex, Nia, and Tora remains the heart of the experience. (Image: Nintendo)

Pricing — SGD TBC

Nintendo has confirmed the US price at US$69.99 for a new physical or digital purchase, with a US$9.99 upgrade path available for existing Switch owners who already own the original game digitally. Singapore pricing has not yet been officially announced — we’ll update this article the moment Nintendo Singapore confirms local retail pricing. Based on Switch 2 launch titles, expect somewhere in the S$90–S$110 range for a new copy, though the upgrade should be considerably cheaper.

If you’re planning to grab it at launch, it’s worth registering your interest with local retailers now — Qisahn, GameXtreme, and Funan Nintendo are the usual suspects for pre-order allocations on Nintendo titles in Singapore.

Pyra and Rex emotional cutscene in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Switch 2 Edition
The emotional story beats hit even harder at higher resolution. (Image: Nintendo)

Worth It for New Players?

Absolutely. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 was one of the standout JRPGs of the Switch’s first generation, and the Switch 2 Edition removes the main barrier — the occasionally rough original performance — that held some players back. The Mercenary Battles addition gives returning fans a reason to come back too. If you’ve been sleeping on this one, 30 July is the time to fix that.

We’ll have more coverage as the launch approaches, including a full local price confirmation and day-one impressions.

MAPPA to Animate Every Persona 4 Revival Cutscene — Out 18 Feb 2027

Studio MAPPA — the team behind Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, and Hell’s Paradise — has been confirmed to animate every single in-game cutscene in Persona 4 Revival, the full remake of the beloved 2008 JRPG. The announcement dropped at Anime Expo 2026 on 4 July, alongside a new Rise Kujikawa character trailer and a preview of MAPPA’s work in action. Persona 4 Revival launches on 18 February 2027 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, and SEGA Asia has confirmed Singapore pricing starting from S$84.90.

Chie Satonaka asks about the Midnight Channel in Persona 4 Revival
Image courtesy of Atlus / SEGA

MAPPA Animates All Persona 4 Revival Cutscenes — a First for the Franchise

This is only the second time in MAPPA’s history that the studio has handled every in-game cutscene for a title — the first being Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road in 2025. For Persona, the collaboration goes further than anything before: MAPPA’s previous involvement was limited to the opening movie and select scenes in Persona 5 Royal. Here they own the full animated presentation. An animation director on the project studied all four mainline Persona titles before beginning work, and Anime Corner reports that the AX preview showed protagonist Yu Narukami in a confrontation with a Hablerie shadow as his Persona awakens for the first time — rendered in full MAPPA fidelity.

For Singapore fans who grew up on Persona 4 Golden, the implication is significant. The original game had gorgeous, limited anime sequences; the remake promises MAPPA quality across the board.

Yu Narukami faces a massive Shadow in a MAPPA-animated cutscene in Persona 4 Revival
Image courtesy of Atlus / SEGA
Persona 4 Revival – Pre-Order Trailer — via SEGA Asia(EN) on YouTube

What’s New in Persona 4 Revival vs. the Original

Persona 4 Revival is a full modern reimagining of the original 2008 PS2 game, building on the foundation of Persona 4 Golden with upgraded graphics, UI, combat, and — most visibly — those new MAPPA cutscenes. The dual-track gameplay loop returns: investigate supernatural murders via the TV World’s Midnight Channel by day, and build Social Links with Inaba’s residents to power up your Investigation Team.

The Rise Kujikawa trailer confirmed the full English voice cast at AX: Nazeeh Tarsha as Yu Narukami, Paul Castro Jr. as Yosuke Hanamura, Anne Yatco as Chie Satonaka, Brianna Knickerbocker as Yukiko Amagi, and Abby Trott as Rise Kujikawa (voiced in Japanese by Rie Kugimiya). Pre-order bonuses include a music set drawing on tracks from Persona 3 Reload and Persona 5 Royal, available until 17 February 2027.

Nanako Dojima Tanabata scene in Persona 4 Revival
Image courtesy of Atlus / SEGA

Singapore Pricing — All Editions Confirmed

SEGA Asia’s regional page lists all editions with Singapore pricing (inclusive of tax):

  • Standard Edition (Physical PS5 / Digital): S$84.90
  • Digital Deluxe Edition: S$99.90
  • Digital Premium Edition: S$114.90
  • Limited Box: S$154.90
  • Limited Box – Izanagi Edition: S$259.90

One thing to note: physical copies are PS5 only. Xbox Series X|S and PC players are digital only. On the upside, Xbox and PC versions launch day one on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, so subscribers on those platforms get it at no extra charge. The game supports 14 subtitle languages including Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Thai — a strong sign that ATLUS is treating the Asia market seriously this time around.

Yu Narukami in combat against a Shadow enemy in Persona 4 Revival
Image courtesy of Atlus / SEGA

Where to Grab It in Singapore

Persona 4 Revival is a confirmed Asia release from SEGA Asia. Physical copies (PS5) can be pre-ordered from major game retailers and electronics chains. Digital editions are available directly through PlayStation Store and Steam — the Steam page is already live with the 18 February 2027 release date locked in. For more upcoming titles from the series and other JRPGs, check our Game News section.

Final Fantasy X Turns 25: HD Remaster Lands on Switch 2 with SEA Physical Edition

Final Fantasy X turns 25 on 19 July 2026 — and Square Enix is marking the occasion with the most convenient version of the classic JRPG yet. Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 on 23 July, and Bandai Namco Asia has confirmed a physical edition for Southeast Asia, meaning Singapore fans can finally grab both games on a single cartridge for their new console.

Auron stands beneath the pyrefly-lit dome of Zanarkand in Final Fantasy X HD Remaster
Image courtesy of Square Enix

What the Switch 2 HD Remaster Brings

The package bundles both Final Fantasy X and Final Fantasy X-2 — over 100 hours of gameplay — into one release. The Switch 2 edition builds on the HD Remaster that’s been available on PlayStation and PC for years, adding a handful of quality-of-life upgrades that make it the best way to play either game:

  • Full HD visuals with significant resolution improvements to characters, monsters, and environments compared to the original Switch version
  • No random encounters toggle — ideal for players replaying the story or just trying to cross a dungeon without a wipe
  • High-speed mode for grinding and turn-based battles
  • All International Version content included, covering the Expert Sphere Grid, Dark Aeons, Penance, and the Last Mission epilogue for FFX-2

One important caveat: save data is not compatible between the Switch and Switch 2 versions, so if you had a near-complete save on the original Switch release you’ll be starting fresh.

FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster | Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date Announcement Trailer — via FINAL FANTASY on YouTube

Southeast Asia Gets the Physical Edition

Bandai Namco Asia has confirmed a physical release for the region, giving Singapore players the option of a boxed copy alongside the digital launch. Pricing for Southeast Asia has not been announced yet — check your preferred local retailers and digital games stockists closer to the 23 July launch date for SGD pricing details. The digital version is priced at US$49.99 in Western markets.

Tidus and Auron explore ancient ruins with party members in Final Fantasy X HD Remaster
Image courtesy of Square Enix

For those who prefer physical media, this is the edition to watch for. A Japan physical edition follows at ¥7,480 — but the SEA boxed release, handled by Bandai Namco Asia, has historically launched alongside Japan at local retailers and games stores in Singapore and the region.

A Full Month of FFX Celebrations

The Switch 2 launch sits in the middle of a packed anniversary calendar. Square Enix has designated July as FFX 25th Anniversary Month, with the official anniversary falling on 19 July — exactly 25 years after the original PS2 launch in Japan. The series has sold over 20 million units worldwide across all platforms.

Tidus surveys ruined Zanarkand beneath a fiery sunset sky in Final Fantasy X HD Remaster
Image courtesy of Square Enix

Beyond the Switch 2 launch, Square Enix has lined up a string of in-game collaborations and merchandise drops this month:

  • Dissidia Duelum Final Fantasy — Tidus is playable through 28 July, with up to 100 free ability pulls across four weeks
  • Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent — Tidus, Yuna, and Aeron are available through 16 July (story content until 13 August); one character is guaranteed free
  • Emberstoria — Tidus and Yuna join as new Embers, with a free Tidus guaranteed ticket through 31 July

Anniversary Merchandise and Music

Physical collectors have already had a few things drop: the FFX LP Vinyl Set -Eternal Calm- launched 1 July with 20 curated soundtrack tracks across two records, packaged with a download code. The Visual Art Book -Eternal Spira- (128 pages, A4 hardcover, ¥2,750) and the Memorial Album (352 pages, ¥3,520) both released 3 July through Square Enix’s Japanese shop and participating retailers.

The ornate interior of the Blitzball stadium with team members assembled in Final Fantasy X HD Remaster
Image courtesy of Square Enix

A fan art project is also running through 31 July — details on Square Enix’s official FFX 25th anniversary site (Japanese). Most merchandise is currently Japan-market only, but the vinyl set and some plush toys have been available to import via proxy services for regional fans.

For Singapore players, the most actionable news is the 23 July Switch 2 launch and the confirmed SEA physical edition. More details on game news as we get closer to the date. Source: Final Fantasy official JP site (Japanese); RPG Site; Bandai Namco Asia.